The book Land use, climate change and biodiversity modeling: perspectives
and applications combines state-of-the-art modelling approaches at various
scales with case studies from across the world. The cases include applications
of the GLOBIO model in Central- and South America, Eastern Europe and Southeast
Asia. The examples help natural resource managers, scientists and decision
makers overcome their fear of models. The case studies show how to translate
models into results and illustrate how pro-active implementation can mitigate
biodiversity loss. Aspects of models such as IMAGE and GLOBIO and also the land
use allocation model CLUE prove to be very useful at (sub-)national levels.

The book is aimed at individual researchers and policy-makers committed to
the future of the planet.

GLOBIO

The book first provides a broad overview of different modelling approaches,
including integrated assessment models, remote sensing, land use allocation
models and biodiversity models. GLOBIO is described in chapter 8 and includes
GLOBIO aquatic as a new branch of biodiversity models. A large part is dedicated
to case studies, describing experiences with different modelling approaches.

Applications of GLOBIO are used in several chapters. In Thailand GLOBIO is
applied as a tool for conservation policy. It is concluded that careful
selection of locations and targeted measures to reduce pressures may be a more
effective conservation strategy than setting a fixed percentage of forests to be
protected.

In the Ukraine the authors applied various modelling approaches, including
GLOBIO, to project changes in biodiversity in the coming 40 years.

The tropical Andes region will face large changes in biodiversity, due to a
number of factors, including land use and climate change, according to the
GLOBIO model. The authors suggest that areas projected to change most can be
priority areas for policy measures.

In Central America the GLOBIO methodology provided insight on the effects of
alternative scenario and policy options on biodiversity conservation. It offered
decision makers a suitable tool for national policy support, especially to
stimulate policy discussion and to integrate the topic of biodiversity into
various policy domains.

The results of the GLOBIO application at national level in Vietnam were
considered useful for policymakers. However, the tools are not yet properly
embedded in a policy context requiring a number of conditions to be met to
deliver appropriate information to the policy makers.

All these studies could only be successful with a combination of models,
including an integrated assessment model, providing economic and land use demand
inputs, a land allocation model, such as the CLUE-s model and a biodiversity
model. GLOBIO proved to be a suitable candidate to this end.